Longtime UF equipment manager dies at 86

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Longtime Florida equipment manager Bud Fernandez, a favorite among players and coaches for more than 30 years, died Friday. He was 86.<br> <br> Nicknamed ``Uncle Bud,&#39;&#39; Fernandez was the head equipment manager at Florida from 1971-92 before becoming an assistant athletic director in charge of the equipment department.<br> <br> He worked in that capacity until retiring in 2003. Even then, he stayed close to the football program, guarding the entry gate at nearly every practice. He was there Wednesday.<br> <br> Fernandez also spent 26 years in the military, retiring as a command sergeant major and then joining the Gators.<br> <br> Fernandez was inducted into the school&#39;s Hall of Fame in 2000. In March 2002, the stadium&#39;s equipment room was dedicated in his honor.<br> <br> Funeral arrangements were pending.<br> <br> (Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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